Shoreline Pediatrics provides high-quality, personalized care for infants, children & teens in Muskegon MI.

Toilet training is a big milestone, and readiness varies for each child.

Signs your toddler may be ready include: staying dry for 2+ hours, showing interest in the toilet, communicating the need to go, and demonstrating basic self-care skills like pulling pants up and down.

Remember, children potty train at different times, so give yourself grace and patience throughout the process. Pushing too early can lead to frustration for you and your toddler.

Wellness visits are a great time to chat with your provider about potty training. Do you have your next well visit scheduled? Call today.

Hanukkah, also called the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday that celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

Families often celebrate by lighting the menorah each night, playing the dreidel game, giving small gifts, and enjoying traditional foods like latkes and sufganiyot.

We wish you a bright and joyful Hanukkah filled with love, light, and family traditions.

Combination vaccines protect against multiple diseases in a single shot, reducing the number of injections your child receives.

They are just as safe and effective as giving single vaccines separately. Using combination vaccines helps children stay up to date on recommended vaccines, while minimizing discomfort, office visits, and stress for both children and families.

Want to know what vaccines your child will be due for next?

Call one of our phone nurses today so they can review your child’s vaccine record with you.

Our phone nurse can also schedule your child’s next wellness visit.

If your child develops flu symptoms such as fever, cough, body aches, fatigue, or vomiting, keep them home from school and ensure they stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.

Antiviral medications may be prescribed in certain cases.

Watch for warning signs such as difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, or dehydration, which require prompt medical attention.

Children can return to school when they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication and symptoms are improving. If needed, you can request a school excuse note, which can be sent directly to the school or uploaded to the patient portal for convenience.

Provider tip: To help ease the cough, Dr. Hubbard recommends 1 teaspoon of honey by mouth every 4 hours. Remember, do not give honey if your child is less than 1 year of age.

Call our office for guidance on caring for your child, managing symptoms, or obtaining a school excuse.

Changes in routine like altered sleep schedules or meal times can increase stress and lead to crankiness or behavior changes.

Plan ahead by packing snacks, entertainment, and comfort items, maintain regular sleep routines as much as possible, and allow extra time for stops or delays. Bring along coloring books, puzzles, storybooks, or small travel games to keep kids engaged without screens during the trip.

Call our office or send us a portal message for advice on travel safety, motion sickness, or managing health needs while on the go.

The holidays are a time for family and fun…but also for germs!

Encourage handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home if anyone is sick to help prevent spreading illness.

If someone can’t attend in person, consider celebrating together virtually via video calls so everyone can join safely.
If your child develops symptoms during the holidays, call our office for guidance on care and testing.

Rashes are common in children and can range from mild irritation to signs of infection.

Some rashes, like eczema or heat rash, are usually harmless, while others such as rashes with fever, spreading redness, or blisters require prompt evaluation.

Pay attention to symptoms like pain, swelling, or changes in behavior.

If you’re unsure whether your child’s rash needs attention, call our office and we can guide you on next steps and provide timely care.

231-777-2732
shorelinepeds.com

Picky eating is common in toddlers and usually part of normal development. Encouraging variety can take patience: offer new foods alongside familiar favorites, involve your child in meal prep, and model healthy eating yourself. Avoid pressure or punishment—positive exposure over time is more effective than forcing a bite.

Provider Tip: We recommend offering only a tiny, bite-sized piece when introducing a new food - or if your child didn’t like it the last time. Toddlers are visual eaters, so if a food looks unfamiliar or intimidating, they’re less likely to try it.

Need strategies tailored to your picky eater? Call our office for guidance and practical tips to make mealtime less stressful.

231-777-2732
shorelinepeds.com